Missoula has lost its role model – University of Montana and Missoula arts, civics advocate Don Simmons dies

Tributes and condolences poured in Tuesday as word spread of the sudden death of Don Simmons, who succumbed to a heart attack Monday.

Simmons, 84, was a retired University of Montana music professor who once chaired what’s now the UM School of Music.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/don.simmons.1654

Don Simmons memorial

A memorial service for Don Simmons is set for Sunday, Aug. 5, at 11 a.m. in the University of Montana’s Music Recital Hall.

By KIM BRIGGEMAN of the Missoulian

Full Story: http://missoulian.com/news/local/um-and-missoula-arts-civics-advocate-don-simmons-dies/article_6e79b9f2-caef-11e1-b8f4-001a4bcf887a.html

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Faculty and Staff of the College of Visual and Performing Arts
Advisory Council of the College of Visual and Performing Arts

FROM: Stephen Kalm, Dean

DATE: July 9, 2012

RE: Don Simmons

I am saddened to announce that Donald Simmons, faculty member and past Chair in the Department of Music and a former Associate Dean of the School of Fine Arts passed away earlier today. In his 22 years of service to The University of Montana, he was much loved and respected by faculty colleagues and students. Among his many accomplishments were the development of the Music Literature class for music majors and Music Appreciation class for non-majors, his influence in bringing the College Music Society to Missoula, and his work with the National Association of Schools of Music (NASM). Don was a committed teacher, a talented conductor and a dedicated administrator. He served as a mentor to many of his colleagues and students. After his retirement in 1995, Don continued his strong work for arts education and lifelong learning in the community through his advocacy of the Flagship Program in the public schools and his teaching in the Montana Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (MOLLI) Program. One could always find Don and Pat actively supporting faculty and students at our musical and theatre events. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Pat, and his children Kim (JK), David, and Elizabeth. We will miss him.

We will inform you of the family’s plans as they develop.